The Buchanan County Community Foundation (BCCF) held its grant awards celebration at the Independence Library Community Room on July 25, announcing the distribution of $158,223 to 17 projects of organizations serving Buchanan County through its 2024 grant cycle.

 “The Buchanan County Community Foundation is thrilled to support these 17 projects that are working to strengthen communities across Buchanan County,” said Ben Stanford, chair of the BCCF committee.

The 2024 grant recipient organizations, project the grant will fund, and grant amount are listed below by funding area.

Arts & Culture

• Winthrop Commercial and Community Club – Renovate Historical Center Space - $10,000

Community Betterment

• Buchanan County – Sheriff Operations & Response Equipment - $11,958
• City of Fairbank – Fire Department, Wildland/Tech Rescue Gear - $3,650
• City of Fairbank – Little League, Ball Diamond Park Upgrades - $15,000
• City of Independence – Parks & Rec, Complex Mobility and Usability Phase - $20,000
• City of Winthrop – New Park Shelter - $10,000
• Jesup Community School District – Community Recreation, Baseball/Softball Complex Phase 1- $20,000

Education & Youth Development

• Buchanan County ISU Extension – Cultivating an Amish Connection - $4,102
• Fairbank Community Daycare Center – Playground Fencing and Crib Upgrades - $6,731
• Independence Community School District – Special Education Revamp - $8,000
• Jesup Community School District – Industrial Tech, Skilled Trades for All Students - $17,849

Environment & Animal Welfare 

• Operation 11^th Hour – Freedom Pier - $10,000
• River Road Rescue Sanctuary, Inc. – Save the Strays/Ongoing Care - $3,883
• Wildthunder Wildlife & Animal Rehabilitation & Sanctuary – Utilities for Dog Building - $3,000

Health

• City of Aurora – Comet Center, Replacement of Cardio Equipment - $5,000

Human Service

• Northeast Iowa Food Bank – Feeding Families - $6,000
• Riverview Center, Inc. – Helping Survivors of Trauma Heal and Thrive - $3,050

Decisions on grant awards are determined by a local committee, which consists of volunteers from Buchanan County. Committee members include Whitney Benter, Nate Clayberg, Mary Donlea, Jean Gallmeyer, James Gillespie, Denise Lehman, Rob Ratchford, Ben Stanford, Melissa Trumbauer, and Kristina Ward.

Grants are awarded through BCCF’s competitive grant process to projects in the program areas of arts and culture, community betterment, education and youth development, environment and animal welfare, health and human service. Grant applicants must be a 501(c)(3) designated organization or government entity serving Buchanan County in order to be considered for funding. More information about the BCCF can be found at www.buchananccf.org/